7 Amazing Things To Do in Tehran

November 12, 2018

7 Amazing Things to do in Tehran

Tehran, Iran, a city that many would call polluted, perhaps even say that you should better leave as soon as possible. And while the city might be polluted, and mainly consist of concrete, it is actually home to some of Iran’s most beautiful sights. From colorful palaces, to green parks and busy bazars, Iran is a city that can keep you busy for day. I had only booked a short stay, but after spending 24 hours in the city I knew it would not be enough so I extended to a 6 night stay, and I enjoyed every second of it! Not convinced yet if you want to visit Iran? Be sure to check out this article of 10 Photos that will inspire you to visit Iran. Ready to give this mind-blowing capital a chance? Read here about the 7 amazing things to do in Tehran!

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1. Visit Golestan Palace in Tehran

In the centre of the city you can find the colorful Golestan Palace. While the entrance fee to this palace does not come cheap (up to 940000 IRR if all exhibitions are visited), it might be worth paying the entrance fee (150000 IRR) and the entrance fee to the main hall (150000 IRR). The garden of the palace is filled with extreme detailed and colorful tiled walls, which is unexpected to find in such a concrete city as Tehran! Take some time to walk around the garden and admire the mosaics from up closer, as every mosaic pattern is different. Then continue to admire the Golestan Palace from the inside, and be prepared to be amazed. Stunning architecture are awaiting you in Tehran…

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2. The US Den of Espionage in Tehran

The US Den of Espionage is not hard to miss when you leave Taleghani metro station and walk straight into the words “Down With USA” written on the walls of what used the be the US Embassy. With the believe that the US was spying, students successfully invaded the US embassy in 1979, holding 52 diplomats hostage for 444 days. Nowadays, the second floor, where the evidence of espionage was found, is turned into a museum. In February 2017 I had the luck that the museum was opened, we were told, however, that the museum might close again soon. It is worth the metro ride to see the murals painted on the former embassy, and if you have the luck that the museum is open, I would definitely recommend paying a visit. Visiting the US Den of Espionage was probably one of my favorite and most interesting things to do in Tehran!

3. Drink Coffee & Eat Eat Eat

An important part of traveling, at least to me, is learning about local culture so as such: do as the locals do, and an important part of that in Tehran is drinking coffee in a cafe. You will find many cafes in Tehran, especially around Enghelab where a lot of the students go. Especially on Fridays, which means weekend in Iran, the cafes will be packed. So if you found yourself having a bit of time, or finding it slightly chilly outside, go and enjoy some delicious coffee to warm up. Be sure to enjoy some delicious pastry with your coffee, you won’t regret it! Not a big coffee fan? Don’t worry, drinking tea is a big part of Iran, and you will be able to find tea at almost any cafe or restaurant.

If you don’t get the chance to enjoy some coffee or tea, don’t forget to indulge in the local delicacies of Iran. From pastries to the most delicious meals, traveling Iran will mean a full stomach! Enjoy the delicious kebabs, falafel sandwiches, fesenjoon, gormeh sabzi, tahdig or abgoost. I still dream about these dishes months after leaving the country, and can’t wait to indulge in some delicious Iranian food again!

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4. Azadi Tower in Tehran

A monument located on the west side of the city that truly is a symbol for the city of Tehran. While it is not located in the city centre, I would say it is worth checking it out on a clear and sunny day! You can enter the tower and take an elevator to almost the top of the building, giving you an amazing view over the city, and if you are lucky, over the mountains. Be sure to walk around the tower as the architecture is quite stunning, unique and amazing. If you decide to go late at night you will find the tower lit up, a stunning site at any time of the day!.Be

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5. Tabiat Bridge in Tehran

While this might not be the “must thing” to do in Tehran, it is still very much worth while your time. You can easily access the bridge by taking a metro, take a stroll through the park, walk across the bridge and admire the other parks. The bridge has an amazing view over the mountains, especially when they are covered with snow and there is a clear sky. If you visit the Tabiat Bridge on a friday you will find the parks filled with families barbecuing, and the bridges full with many of Tehran’s citizens. It is a popular hang out spot on the weekend, which in Iran falls on Friday!

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6. Visit the Museums in Tehran

Iran and their famous carpets, you will literally find them at every bazar… and let’s be real, they are quite stunning and of the most amazing quality. If you are interested in learning more about the carpets and the history of Persian carpets then you can visit the museum to learn more about the carpets and see the development of carpets over the years. They also display where the carpets are from which will allow you to actually understand this famous carpet business and the difference between the carpets a little bit better; a true recommendation in my opinion.

However, besides the Carpet Museum in Tehran there are many other museums that are worth a visit. Some of the more famous museums in Tehran, and perhaps that you want to add to your things to do in Tehran bucket list, are:

7. The Bazar of Tehran

What is visiting Tehran without actually visiting the Great Bazar? Be sure to take your time here, the bazar, like in most of Iran’s cities, are absolutely massive. And with little hallways left and right it is easy to get lost… The Bazar is separated into several districts, from clothing to kitchen utilities, to carpets to shoes, you will find (almost) everything here, although it might take you a while to find it. Last but definitely not least on the list of things to do in Tehran!

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7 Amazing Things to do in Tehran

There you have it… 7 amazing things to do in Tehran. Yes, visiting Tehran might not immediately cross your mind when thinking about booking your next trip; I, however, couldn’t recommend it more. Tehran, while polluted and busy, stole my heart and I cannot wait to go back. Interested in traveling to Iran? Be sure to check out 8 Things to see and do in Iran for some more travel inspiration! Have you been to Tehran, any other thing to do in Tehran that I have missed on this list? Tell me in the comments below and I’ll be sure to put it on my bucket list for next time! Oh, and don’t forget to pin it!

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